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Cancer: Controlling Cancer Pain

Introduction

Having cancer does not mean that you
have to live with pain. Cancer and some of the treatments for it can cause
pain. But most people who have cancer are able to manage their pain well.1

Cancer pain can almost always be controlled. Only you know
how you feel and how much pain you have. Tell your
health care team what your pain feels like and what works and does not
work.

Don't wait for pain to get bad. Your pain medicine will work
best if you use it when you first notice pain, before it becomes
bad.

If you are taking pain medicine regularly for cancer pain, have a plan (and medicines on hand) for breakthrough pain. This is sudden and intense pain that can happen while you are already taking pain medicine.

The risk of becoming addicted to pain medicines is
very small. Do not let this fear stop you from getting the pain relief you
need.

Managing your pain can mean treating other problems, too. Uncontrolled cancer pain can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, or depression.

Sometimes
people try to live with their pain because they believe these common
myths:

Myth #1: Pain is just part of
cancer.

Truth: Pain can
almost always be controlled if you work with your doctor to create a treatment
plan that is right for you.

Myth #2: It is best to wait as long
as possible between doses of pain medicine.

Truth: Pain medicine
works best when you stay on top of your pain. That means not holding off
treatment until the pain becomes bad. If you let the pain get bad, it may be harder to get it under control.

Myth #3: Pain medicines work the
same for everyone.

Truth: There are many
kinds of pain medicines. They are given in different amounts to different
people. And they are given in different ways (for example, as pills you swallow
or as a patch taped to your skin). Your doctor will work with you to find a plan that helps control your pain.

Myth #4: Doctors are so busy. I
should not bother my doctor with my pain problems.

Truth: There is a
reason you are having pain, and your doctor needs to know about it. Talking to your doctor about your pain and what treatment works or
does not work is an important part of your treatment plan. It is also important
for your well-being.

Myth #5: If I whine about pain, it
means I am weak. My doctor and family won't respect me if I am not tough.

Truth: Telling your
doctor about your pain does not mean you are weak. It means you are being
honest with your doctor. You are giving your doctor important information. No
two people feel the same when they have cancer. Do not compare yourself to
others.

Myth #6: If I take strong drugs like
morphine, I will become addicted.

Truth: Addiction to pain medicine is rare if you have not had a problem with
addiction in the past and you take your medicine as directed under your
doctor's care. When you no longer need these medicines, your doctor will slowly lower the amount you are taking until your body no longer needs the medicine.

Myth #7: If I take strong pain
medicine before I really need to, it might not help me when my pain gets
worse.

Truth: It is much
better to treat your pain when you first notice it, before it gets bad.
Although you may gradually need more medicine, this is rarely a problem.

Test Your Knowledge

Opiate pain relievers are strong drugs that should be
used only as a last resort or when people are near death.

Keep track of your pain and your treatments

Your
doctor needs all the information you can give about what your pain feels like.
Your doctor needs to know how your treatment is working or not working. It may
be easier to give your doctor information if you write it down. Use a daily
diary to
rate your pain. Write down what drugs you are taking
and how well they are working. Write down any other methods you are using to
control your pain.

Pay attention to the details of your pain so
you can tell your doctor. Is it burning? Throbbing? Steady? How long does it
last? Take your written information and your questions with you when you see
your doctor.

Use a calendar or a
pain control diary(What is a PDF document?) to keep track of your treatment. Write down how strong your
pain is and when it comes and goes. Most doctors use a "0 to 10" scale to
measure pain. On this scale, "0" means no pain and "10" means the worst
possible pain.

It is easy to get
confused about medicines when you are in pain and are looking for something to
help you feel better. You may have prescriptions from more than one doctor.
Keeping a written
medicine record(What is a PDF document?) can help you and your doctors work together.

Stay on top of your pain

Your pain will be harder
to control if you let it get worse before you take your medicine. Make the most
of your pain medicines by following these rules:

Take them on time (by the clock).

Do not skip a dose or wait until you think you need
it.

Be prepared for breakthrough pain. You may find that taking
your medicine works most of the time, but your pain flares up during extra
activity or even for no clear reason. This is called breakthrough pain. Your
doctor can give you a prescription for fast-acting medicines that you can take
for breakthrough pain.

Ask one of your doctors to be your team
leader. It is best to have one doctor in charge of all your medicines. If more
than one doctor prescribes pain medicine, make sure they talk to each other
about it.

Manage the side effects

Pain medicines may cause
side effects. For example, opiate pain relievers may cause drowsiness,
constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, including
aspirin, may cause stomach upset or bleeding. Before you start taking a drug,
ask your doctor about the possible side effects.

There are things
you can do to manage some side effects.

Home treatment for nausea or vomiting
includes eating clear soups, mild foods, and liquids if you feel nauseated.
Watch for and treat early signs of dehydration. Older adults can quickly become
dehydrated from vomiting.

Home treatment for constipation includes making sure that you drink enough fluids and include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day. Do not use a laxative without first talking to your doctor.

Try complementary medicine

Complementary medicine
is the term for a wide variety of health care practices that may be used along
with or in place of standard medical treatment. If you use one or more of these
practices, you may be able to take a lower dose of pain medicines.

Most of these therapies have not been subjected to the same degree of
rigorous scientific testing for safety and effectiveness that standard medical
treatments must go through before they are approved in the United States. Be
sure to talk with your doctor about which therapies might be best for
you.

Behavioral therapies

Biofeedback is a method of consciously
controlling a body function that is normally controlled unconsciously, such as
skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, or blood
pressure.

Other therapies

Acupuncture is
a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It is done by inserting very thin
needles into the skin at certain points on the body. Acupuncture may help relieve pain.2

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of
aroma-producing oils (essential oils) extracted from a plant's flowers, leaves,
stalks, bark, rind, or roots. These oils are mixed with another substance, such
as oil, alcohol, or lotion, and then applied to the skin, sprayed in the air,
or inhaled.

Healing touch is the conscious
influence of one person on another, without physical means of intervention, to
benefit the recipient's physical or emotional well-being.

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention
to alter your state of consciousness, usually directed toward feeling calm and
having a clear awareness about your life.

Yoga is a meditation
program that includes exercises to help improve flexibility and breathing,
decrease stress, and maintain health.

Complementary treatments for pain, such as
hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture, are accepted as helpful therapies for
people who have cancer. Some people are able to use less pain medicine by using
complementary therapies.

Complementary treatments for pain, such as
hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture, are accepted as helpful therapies for
people who have cancer. Some people are able to use less pain medicine by using
complementary therapies.

Discuss your pain and your feelings about having cancer with your doctor.
He or she can address your concerns and refer you, as needed, to organizations
that can offer support and information. You may also contact your
local chapter of the American Cancer Society to help you find a support group.
Talking with other people who have cancer and may have similar feelings can be
helpful.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.